<3- 


THE 


EXCELLENCE  AND  INFLUENCE 

OP  THE 

FEMALE  CHARACTER: 


A SERMON. 


PREACHED  IN 


THE  TRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  IN  MURRAY-STREET, 


AT  THE  REftCEST  OF  THE 


JVcic-  York  Female  Missionary  Society. 


By  GARDINER  SPRING, 

PASTOR  OF  THE  BRICK  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  IN  SAID  CITY. 


SECOND  EDITION. 


NEW- YORK : 

PUBLISHED  BY  F.  & R.  LOCKWOOD,  154  BROADWAY 

J.  SEYMOUR,  PRINTER,  JOIIN-STREET. 

1825. 


Southern  District  of  A’fre-  York,  is. 

TIE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  twenty-first  (Jay  of  January, 1&5U,  in  the  forty-ninth 
Mt  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  Jonathan  Seymour,  of  the 
aid  District,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a book,  the  right  whereofhe  claims  as  pro- 
prietor. in  the  words  following,  to  wit : — 

“The  Excellence  and  Influence  of  the  Female  Character:  a Sermon,  preached  in  the  Prcf- 
byterian  Church  in  Murray-street,  at  the  request  of  the  New-York  Female  Missionary  So- 
ciety By  Gardiner  Spring,  pastor  of  the  Brick  Presbyterian  Church  in  said  city.” 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled,  “ An  Act  for  the  en- 
couragement of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Rooks,  to  the  authors 
and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned  ” And  also  to  an  Act  en 
titled,  “ An  Act  supplementary  to  an  Act  entitled,  an  Act  forthe  encouragement  of  Learning, 
by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such 
copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of 
designiug,  engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other  prints.” 

JAMES  DILL, 

Clerk  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-York* 


SERMON. 


Proverbs  xxxi.  39. 

JWany  daughters  have  done  virtuously , but  thou  exccllcst 

them  all. 

That  has  been  no  umvary  device  of  the  great 
adversary,  which  has  led  so  large  portions  of  the 
earth,  and  so  many  ages  of  the  world,  to  depreciate 
the  worth  and  excellence  of  the  female  sex.  I know 
there  are  spheres  for  which  a female  is  not  fitted, 
and  from  which  the  God  ofnature  has  proscribed  her  ; 
and  which,  whenever  she  attempts  to  occupy,  either 
in  church  or  state,  she  betrays  a weakness  in  the  one, 
which  derogates  from  her  true  dignity,  and  a pre- 
sumption and  self-complacency  in  the  other,  which 
tarnish  the  beauty  of  her  holiness,  and  are  incompa- 
tible with  that  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which,  in  the 
sight  of  God  and  man,  is  a pearl  of  great  price.  But 
I know,  too,  that  the  efforts  which  would  condemn 
her  to  ignorance,  and  consign  her  to  obscurity,  con- 
stitute one  of  the  most  powerful  engines  of  the  Prince 
of  Darkness,  in  riveting  the  chains  by  which  he  has 
bound  the  family  of  man,  and  perpetuating  and  ex- 
tending his  own  relentless  empire. 

The  Scriptures  have  not  omitted  a particular  no- 
tice of  the  obligations  and  character  of  Christian 


4 


females.  By  instructions  that  are  sometimes  appa- 
rently incidental  and  sometimes  of  more  set  design, 
sometimes  biographical  and  sometimes  didactic, 
they  frequently  delineate  and  unfold  the  dignity  and 
usefulness  of  the  female  sex,  with  unrivalled  skill, 
impartiality,  and  effect.  The  chapter  of  the  Pro- 
verbs which  contains  our  text,  peculiarly  excels  in 
the  description  and  commendations  of  a virtuous 
woman.  Having  detailed  the  qualifications  which 
constitute  her  excellence,  he  assigns  her  a very  distin- 
guished pre-eminence.  “ Many  daughters  have  done 
virtuously,  but  thou  excellest  them  all.” 

There  is  a prominence  given  to  my  subject,  in  the 
very  design  of  our  assembling  together.  Standing  as 
1 do,  as  the  organ  of  a society  of  females,  the  design  of 
whose  association  is  to  propagate  that  gospel  to 
which  they  owe  their  elevation  in  human  society,  I 
cheerfully  yield  to  the  inducement  which  the  occasion 
presents,  to  suggest  a few  thoughts  on  the  excellence 
and  the  influence  of  the  female  character. 

In  adverting  to  the  excellence  of  the  female  cha- 
racter, it  will  occur  to  every  mind,  that  the  obvious 
designation  of  woman  to  a different  sphere  of  action 
and  influence,  from  that  which  is  occupied  by  the 
stronger  sex,  suggests  the  contemplation  of  excellen- 
cies, which,  though  not  peculiar  to  herself,  are  de- 
lightfully appropriate  to  her  character  and  condition. 
There  is  a feeling  of  heart,  a consciousness  of  de- 
pendence, a natural  and  amiable  timidity,  a tender- 
ness and  kindness,  which  unfit  a woman  for  the  rude 
and  tumultuous  occupations,  and  which,  while  they 
assign  to  her  a more  retired  sphere,  as  clearly  dis- 
close those  qualifications  which  constitute  her  true 
dignity  and  glory. 


Among  these,  we  hold  in  high  estimation  the  vir- 
tues of  INDUSTRY  AND  ECONOMY. 

Did  not  these  lie  at  the  basis  of  a woman’s  useful- 
ness, this  would  be  too  trite  and  common-place  a re- 
mark. The  wise  man,  in  the  chapter  which  contains 
our  text,  gives  high  importance  to  these  useful  quali- 
fications. “ She  seeketh  wool  and  flax,  and  worketh 
willingly  with  her  hands.  She  riseth  also  while  it  is 
yet  night,  and  giveth  meat  to  her  household,  and  a 
portion  to  her  maidens.  She  looketh  well  to  the  ways 
of  her  household,  and  eateth  not  the  bread  of  idle- 
ness.” If  there  is  a qualification  in  which  a female 
ought  to  excel,  it  is  a thorough  and  practical  ac- 
quaintance with  the  arts  and  duties  of  domestic  life. 
She  may  be  ignorant  of  other  branches  of  human 
knowledge,  and  deficient  in  more  refined  attainments 
with  comparative  impunity,  but  no  embellishments 
can  supply  her  deficiency  in  these.  These  constitute 
her  peculiar  and  appropriate  employment,  and  so  far 
from  being  beneath  her  regard,  do  they  adorn  and 
beautify  the  most  distinguished  of  her  sex. 

The  sentiment  may  not  exactly  accord  with  the 
notions  of  the  present  age,  but  it  is  one  that  ought  to 
he  inscribed  on  the  heart  of  every  female,  that  indus- 
try and  economy  are  her  true  glory.  There  is  no  apo- 
logy for  a slothful  woman.  A slothful  woman  is  more 
fit  for  a domestic  drudge,  or  the  slave  of  an  eastern 
despot,  than  for  the  elevated  station  which  freedom, 
civilization,  and  Christianity  have  assigned  her. 
A woman  who  is  occupied  in  little  else  than  re- 
ceiving the  courtesies  of  the  other  sex,  and  having 
every  want  supplied  by  obsequious  attendants,  if  she 
does  not  become  torpid  by  inaction,  is  almost  always 
the  victim  of  that  morbid  sensibility,  which,  while  it 


6 


can  weep  over  the  ideal  scenes  of  a novel  or  tra- 
gedy, has  no  interest  in  the  affecting  realities  of  human 
life,  and  passes  through  the  world  without  com- 
municating happiness,  or  acquiring  respectability. 
Few  appreciate  the  obligations,  cares,  and  labours, 
of  an  industrious  female  ; and  few,  I fear,  are  sensi- 
ble of  the  perpetual  self-denial  which  she  is  called  to 
exercise  in  the  performance  of  her  laborious  and  re- 
iterated duties.  Her  eye  must  be  every  where  in  her 
own  proper  sphere;  her  authority  every  where  in  her 
own  retired  dominion ; her  hand  on  every  spring  in 
all  the  departments  of  domestic  labour.  And  a cheer- 
ful submission  to  this  incessant  w atchfulness  and  care, 
constitutes  one  of  the  prominent  excellencies  of  her 
character.  A female  that  has  been  induced  to  believe 
she  was  made  for  nothing  but  to  be  beloved  and  ad- 
mired, and  who  is  never  pleased  but  by  the  alterna- 
tions of  idleness  and  dissipation,  has  never  learned  to 
estimate  her  true  worth  and  excellence,  and  is  a stran- 
ger to  the  high  destination  of  woman. 

A well-cultivated  mind  also  forms  an  essential  in- 
gredient in  female  excellence. 

We  have  yet  to  learn  that  the  Supreme  Creator  has 
denied  to  woman  the  same  capacity  for  intellectual 
exertion,  w hich  he  has  communicated  to  man ; and 
that  with  the  same  training,  the  same  auxiliaries,  and 
the  same  incitement,  she  might  not  maintain  her  equal 
progression  in  every  enterprise  that  demands  simply 
intellectual  endowment.  But  this  is  a point  of  no 
easy  decision,  and  of  little  utility  could  it  be  decided. 
There  are  those  who  so  far  depreciate  the  intellec- 
tual worth  of  females,  as  to  believe  that  all  that  is 
important  in  female  education,  is  limited  by  a tho- 
rough acquaintance  with  domestic  philosophy  : and 


7 


that  to  furnish  our  daughters  with  any  accomplish- 
ments beyond  this,  and  particularly  to  instruct  them 
in  any  of  the  branches  of  solid  learning  and  science, 
is  a superfluity  that  ill  befits  their  condition  and  em- 
ployment. 

But  how  contracted  are  such  views,  and  how  far 
do  they  fall  short  ofqualifying  females  for  some  of  the 
more  useful  and  important  duties  of  their  sex  ! Mind 
is  a glorious  endowment ; and  there  is  no  reason  why 
the  mind  of  a female  should  not  be  cultivated  with 
unwearied  assiduity.  Particularly  to  a female  ot 
keen  perception,  intuitive  judgment,  vivid  fancy,  and 
ready  and  retentive  memory,  every  facility  of  deve- 
loping and  improving  her  intellectual  faculties,  which 
her  means  and  condition  in  life  can  furnish,  should  be 
afforded.  I know  of  nothing  which  a woman  may 
not  study  and  acquire  to  advantage.  If  she  is  ambi- 
tious of  deserving  well,  if  she  is  diligent,  as  her  ex- 
perience and  reflection  become  matured,  I would  not 
only  have  her  well  grounded  in  all  the  branches  of  a 
good  English  education,  but  I would  delight  to  see 
her  plodding  her  steady  course  through  the  depart- 
ments of  classical  knowledge — introduced  to  the  mas- 
ters of  science  in  every  age — familiar  with  the  history 
of  other  times  and  the  biography  of  other  men — well 
acquainted  with  the  power  of  numbers — not  meanly 
instructed  in  physical  and  intellectual  philosophy — 
and  especially,  taught  to  think  and  reason,  and  to 
express  her  thoughts  with  propriety,  force,  and  ele- 
gance. No  reason  exists  why  the  Temple  of  Science 
should  be  interdicted  to  an  enterprising  female, 
and  why  its  ascent  should  be  deemed  so  rough  and 
difficult,  that  her  modest  foot  may  not  attempt  it. 
Every  step  she  gains  will  reward  her  exertion,  and 
facilitate  her  progress  : and  though  it  may  not  be  her 


a 


ambition  to  flourish  in  the  republic  of  letters,  yet  it 
she  would  be  esteemed  and  honoured  in  human  so- 
ciety, and  become  one  of  its  most  invaluable  bles- 
sings, she  need  not  fear  extending  her  acquisitions. 

But  while  we  advert  to  her  intellectual  cultivation, 
let  us  not  lightly  pass  over  the  peculiar  advantage  of 
a thorough  acquaintance  with  moral  science.  Here, 
every  female  should  be  at  home.  Last  of  all,  should 
the  science  of  God,  and  salvation,  and  immortality, 
be  hidden  from  her  eyes ; — last  of  all,  should  she  be 
a stranger  to  the  principles  and  obligations  which 
ought  to  govern  her  thoughts,  her  affections,  and  her 
conduct,  every  hour  and  moment  of  her  existence. 
How  humiliating,  if  it  were  only  in  an  intellectual 
view,  that  she  should  be  ignorant  ol  the  topics  and 
wonderful  themes  of  contemplation,  and  power- 
ful persuasives  of  enterprise,  and  unrivalled  exhibi- 
tions of  classical  beauty  and  elegance,  and  matchless 
examples  of  purity  of  thought,  with  which  the  great 
text-book  of  moral  science,  the  Bible,  is  so  richly 
fraught ! There,  is  revealed  what  nothing  else  has 
disclosed,  and  what  none  but  God  knew.  From  one 
page  of  this  wonderful  volume,  a female  may  gain 
more  knowledge  of  the  great  end  of  her  being,  and 
of  what  is  useful  and  necessary  to  be  known,  than 
philosophy  could  acquire  by  the  patience  and  toil  of 
centuries.  There,  too,  is  developed  the  great  sys- 
tem of  truth,  which  philosophers  and  sages  have 
sought  in  vain, — every  where  inculcating  the  most 
excellent  maxims  of  wisdom, — every  where  embo- 
dying counsels  more  paternal,  admonitions  more 
alarming,  consolations  more  precious,  expostulations 
more  touching,  than  all  the  schemes  of  human  in- 
struction ; and  every  where  recounting  events  and 
transactions,  that  cannot  be  communicated  without 


9 


the  deepest  interest  and  delight.  The  wonders  ot 
the  Bible  have  interested  and  amazed  the  strongest 
intellects  in  creation.  And  if  a female  would  be  in- 
terested in  subjects  that  can  expand,  and  captivate, 
and  transform,  her  mind, — that  can  crucify  her  affec- 
tions to  the  pursuits  and  enjoyments  of  the  world ; 
then  must  her  heart  be  endeared  to  the  excellencies 
of  the  Bible. 

All  these  courses  of  study  will  strengthen  and  cul- 
tivate her  intellectual  powers,  and  fit  her  for  usual- 
ness. And  if  she  be  pious,  how  is  her  chandler 
invested  with  additional  power,  when  it  can  put  in 
requisition  the  force  and  furniture  of  a well-disci- 
plined and  richly  cultivated  mind.  The  greater  va- 
riety of  intellectual  accomplishments  she  possesses, 
the  more  respectable  will  she  become,  and  the  more 
influence  will  she  exert  in  any  sphere  she  is  destined 
to  occupy. 

I may  remark  further,  that  neatness  and  taste  are 
peculiarly  ornamental  to  the  female  character. 

In  afemale.  particularly, they  welldeserve  the  name 
of  virtues;  for  without  them,  whatever  may  be  her 
excellencies,  she  has  none  that  will  be  honoured  or 
acknowledged.  A woman  may  be  industrious  and 
economical ; she  may  possess  a well  cultivated  and 
richly  furnished  mind  ; but  destitute  of  neatness 
and  taste,  she  depresses  rather  than  elevates  the 
character  of  her  sex,  and  poisons,  instead  of  purify- 
ing. the  fountain  of  domestic  and  public  happiness. 

Whatever  a misinformed  piety  may  judge,  true 
piety,  well  informed,  is  the  nurse  of  every  personal 
and  social  virtue.  Religion  has  not  unfrequently  lost 
her  pure  and  benignant  influence,  by  needlessly  ar- 

o 


10 


raying  herself  against  all  those  personal  accomplish- 
ments, which,  though  not  the  first,  constitute  one  of 
the  appropriate  and  important  duties  of  the  female 
sex.  You  may  discover  a neatness  and  taste  in  the 
very  mind  of  a praiseworthy  woman,  be  her  condi- 
tion in  life  ever  so  humble.  You  shall  see  them  in- 
woven  with  her  thoughts,  expressions,  and  conduct, 
and  giving  a cast  to  every  thing  she  is,  and  every 
thing  she  does.  Her  manners  will  partake  largely  of 
tji^e  excellent  qualities,  and  in  every  respect  be  the 
emanation  of  a neat  and  polished  mind,  and  a well 
cultivated  and  benevolent  heart.  Equally  removed 
from  that  affectation  of  softness,  which  is  disgustful 
and  nauseous,  and  that  intrepidity,  which  sets  at  de- 
fiance the  maxims  of  ordinary  discretion,  they  will 
be  modest,  pleasing,  and  dignified,  and  the  natural 
and  unstudied  expression  of  that  cautious  delicacy, 
which  is  the  best  guardian  of  female  reputation. 
Her  dress  should  obviously  accord  with  the  same 
mental  cultivation  and  refinement.  Comfort,  neat- 
ness, and  taste,  ought  always  to  distinguish  it.  Nor 
is  there  any  reason  why  Christian  females  should 
be  inattentive  to  their  apparel.  “ Let  it  ever  be 
remembered,  that  w^e  live  under  a dispensation 
which  grants  considerable  liberty,  in  respect  to  many 
external  circumstances  ; that  an  excessive  strictness 
about  tritles  leads  to  the  neglect  of  substantial 
things  ; and  that  as  the  4 kingdom  of  Cod  is  not  meat 
and  drink,’  so  neither  does  it  consist  in  any  pecu- 
liarities of  apparel,  but  in  righteousness,  and  peace, 
and  joy, in  the  Holy  Ghost.”*  I am  by  no  means  pre- 


* Christian  Observer  for  1806,  p.  472. 


11 


pared  to  subscribe  to  the  sentiment,  that  a woman 
should  mark  her  Christian  principles  by  any  singularity 
in  her  dress.  There  are  few  things  more  preposterous, 
or  anti-christian,  or  that  have  led  to  more  censurable 
results.  A Christian  woman  ought  to  be  distinguish- 
able by  her  simplicity,  her  neatness,  her  economy, 
her  healthful  and  becoming  attire,  but  never  by  her 
stillness  and  precision.  Nor  docs  the  gospel  pro- 
scribe all  ornament  in  the  article  of  clothing.  It 
does,  indeed,  prohibit  that  profusion  of  ornament, 
which  consists  in  a studied  display  of  personal  deco- 
rations and  costly  array.  But  no  where  does  it  in- 
terdict that  decent  regard  to  external  appearance, 
which  gives  respectability  to  the  female  character. 
A woman  without  respectability  is  without  influence; 
and  without  influence,  she  is  w ithout  the  pow  er  of 
doing  good.  Nor  do  I hesitate  to  say,  that  it  is  no 
part  of  the  religion  of  the  gospel  for  a female  to  be 
very  scrupulous  in  avoiding  the  common  modes  of 
apparel.  I believe  there  is  much  more  anxiety,  and 
much  more  attention  to  dress,  and  much  more  sin  in 
studiously  avoiding  them,  than  in  naturally  falling  in 
with  them.  Fashions,  which  characterise  a gay  and 
worldly  circle,  a Christian  woman  will  avoid.  But 
how  ridiculous  would  she  appear,  to  disregard  the 
spirit  of  the  age,  and  cleave  to  the  habiliment  of  her 
ancestors,  while  the  prevalent  modes  of  dress  among 
persons  of  her  own  class,  are  not  inconsistent  with 
modesty  and  decorum.  And  let  it  not  be  forgotten,  that 
there  is  no  intrinsic  evil  in  mere  dress  of  any  kind. 
So  long  as  the  heart  is  not  corrupted,  nor  the  best 
interests  of  men  injured  by  the  garments  we  wear, 
they  are  of  little  account  in  the  sight  of  God.  And 
is  there  no  reason  to  believe  that  vanity  may  insi* 


12 


nuate  itself  into  the  mind  from  the  love  of  plainness 
and  singularity  ? Do  we  not  all  know  enough  of  hu- 
man nature  to  be  satisfied,  that  a woman  who  is  ha- 
bitually well  dressed,  thinks  less  of  her  apparel  than 
the  woman  who  is  well  dressed  only  occasionally, 
and  Avhose  thoughts  are  incessantly  occupied  about 
the  dress  of  her  neighbours  ? An  Indian  may  be  as 
vain  of  her  blanket,  and  a Quaker  of  her  bonnet  and 
cap,  as  a coxcomb  is  of  the  newest  fashion,  or  a cour- 
tier of  his  splendid  retinue.  And  what  would  become 
of  the  interests  of  society,  if  you  proscribe  all  the 
ornaments  and  conveniences  of  dress?  To  what 
untold  multitudes  do  these  give  useful  employment  t 
How  large  a portion  of  the  church  of  God  do  they 
elevate  above  want  and  suffering  ? How  many  bene- 
volent institutions  are  maintained  in  existence  by  the 
industry  of  females,  informing  articles  of  mere  orna- 
ment and  fancy  ? And  how  many  streams  of  charity 
do  they  fill,  which,  without  them,  would  be  dry  ? 

I should  be  loath  to  have  these  suggestions  mis- 
understood or  perverted.  I plead  not  for  excess 
and  profusion  in  apparel.  Extravagance  and  finery 
in  dress  I would  censure  and  condemn.  A fop,  or 
a belle,  I would  hold  in  steady  contempt.  All  at- 
tention to  personal  appearance  which  excludes  high- 
er and  more  important  objects  from  the  mind,  is  in- 
consistent with  a pure  religion.  Against  the  splen- 
dour, gaiety,  and  fickleness  of  fashions,  the  pure  and 
unassuming  influence  of  Christian  piety  is  natively 
arrayed.  And  vanity,  splendour,  and  extravagance 
in  clothing,  are  the  result  of  a vitiated  taste,  and 
never  become  the  person  half  so  well  as  a beautiful 
simplicity  and  neatness.  But  while  1 say  this,  I can- 
not believe  that  the  religion  of  the  gospel  requires 


13 


that  we  should  have  no  regard  to  the  feelings  and 
opinions  of  human  society,  or  that  we  should  divest 
ourselves  of  that  sell-respect,  which  renders  us  re- 
spected  and  useful  in  the  world. 

It  is  possible  these  thoughts  may  offend.  I>ut  sure 
am  I,  they  present  no  cause  ot  offence  to  the  most 
self-denying  mind.  There  is  a spirit  in  some  ol  our 
most  excellent  females  in  relation  to  the  article  ol 
dress,  that  requires  a more  prayerful  self-examina- 
tion than  it  has  received.  For  myself,  I do  not  be- 
lieve there  is  any  thing  praiseworthy  in  that  spirit 
of  female  curiosity,  which  interferes  with  the  dress 
of  her  fellow-christians,  and  would  reduce  the  taste 
of  the  community  to  any  one  standard.  And  1 have 
always  found  that  those  females  who  are  the  most 
officious  in  these  matters,  are,  with  few  exceptions, 
the  very  persons  who  would  lead  the  fashion,  if  it 
were  in  their  power.  To  such  persons  I would  say, 
the  spirit  of  God  affirms  of  a virtuous  woman,  that 
4i  all  her  household  are  clothed  in  scarlet ; that  she  ma- 
keth  herself  coverings  of  tapestry , and  that  her  cloth- 
ing is  silk  and  purple.” 

And  the  same  neatness  and  taste  which  ought  to 
be  discoverable  in  a lady's  person,  ought  to  be  seen 
in  her  family,  her  residence,  her  furniture,  and  that 
whether  it  be  ample  and  rich,  or  scanty  and  poor. 
There  is  a degree  of  these  virtues  which  ought  to 
pervade  a woman's  entire  sphere,  and  without  which, 
society  would  degenerate  into  the  barbarism  and 
violence  of  the  dark  ages.  And  hence  this  elevation 
of  character  is  always  one  of  the  effects  of  Christi- 
anity upon  barbarous  nations.  It  is  a sad  miscon- 
ception, that  the  law  of  God  excludes  every  thing 
that  is  refined  and  ornamental,  and  restricts  human 


14 


enjoyments  merely  to  what  is  necessary  tor  human 
subsistence.  Coarse  and  depraved  indeed,  would 
be  that  society  in  which  there  is  nothing  for  the  ease 
and  convenience  of  life.  So  long  as  mankind  have  a 
social  as  well  as  a moral  nature,  the  cultivation  of  an 
elevated  and  refined  spirit  in  the  female  sex,  de- 
serves a place  among  her  obvious  excellencies.  But 
I will  add, 

Of  all  others,  Personal  Piety  forms  the  distin- 
guished excellence  of  the  female  character. 

“Favour  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is  vain;  but  the 
woman  that  feareth  the  Lord , she  shall  be  praised.” 
The  virtues  to  which  we  have  already  alluded,  are  the 
glory  of  a woman,  but  piety  constitutes  the  crown  of  her 
glory.  I speak  not  of  that  piety  which  exists  only  in 
name,  but  of  that  which  has  its  seat  in  the  heart ; w hich 
subdues  the  native  alienation  of  the  mind  to  God  and 
holiness ; which  transforms  and  new  creates  the  soul ; 
and  which  concentrates  its  faculties,  and  concen- 
trates them  for  ever  upon  the  living  God  as  its  portion. 
Religion  in  woman,  as  well  as  in  man,  is  not  only 
“ of  the  operation  of  God,”  but  the  result  of  reflec- 
tion, comparison,  and  choice,  and  consists  in  a cheer- 
ful and  happy  renunciation  of  all  the  heart  holds 
dear,  for  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  every  opposing  interest 
for  his  kingdom  and  glory.  And  this  is  her  distin- 
guished excellence.  Let  the  fear  of  God,  and  the 
love  of  Jesus  Christ  control  her  domestic  virtues ; 
let  the  humility,  patience,  faith,  hope,  charity  and  re- 
signation of  the  gospel,  become  interwoven  with  her 
personal  accomplishments,  and  sweeten  and  govern 
her  conduct ; and  how  lovely  is  such  a woman  ! It 
has  frequently  been  remarked,  that  “ pious  women 
are  not  only  more  numerous,  but  more  pious 
than  pious  men.”  In  a woman,  piety  is  more  apt  to 


be  uniform  and  persevering,  amid  multiplied  obsta- 
cles, and  accumulated  discouragements.  And  if  she 
possesses  large  measures  of  grace,  her  religion  will 
be  more  ardent,  than  the  religion  of  the  other  sex. 
Such  was  Hannah,  Elizabeth,  Mary,  and  Anna;  and 
such  have  been  a multitude  of  others,  ol  whom  the 
world  wras  not  worthy.  If  w oman  was  first  in  trans- 
gression, she  is  most  lovely  in  her  penitence.  If  she 
was  first  in  her  infidelity,  she  is  most  faithful  in  her 
attachment — ■“  last  at  his  cross,  and  earliest  at  his 
grave.”  Hers  is  the  piety  which  purifies  the  heart, 
and  overcomes  the  w orld.  Hers  is  the  piety  w hich 
raises  the  eye  and  heart  to  God  ; w hich  consecrates  to 
him  those  ardent  affections,  that  youth,  that  beauty, 
and  that  pride  of  life.  Hers  is  the  piety  which  urges 
to  the  unbending  attachment  to  every  truth,  the  assi- 
duous cultivation  of  every  grace,  and  the  diligent  and 
self-denying  performance  of  every  duty.  Add  to  the  ex- 
cellence of  suchawroman,  all  the  peculiar  excellencies 
of  her  sex — all  that  native  tenderness  and  kindness 
— all  that  cheerfulness  and  sweetness  of  disposition — 
all  that  untiringpatience  and  submission  tosuffering — 
and  all  that  immutable  love,  in  which  she  has  a glo- 
rious superiority  over  the  other  sex;  and  as  you 
contemplate  her  virtues,  tell  me,  what  empire  has 
true  excellence  on  the  earth  like  the  bosom  of  such 
a w oman.  Or  if  you  will  contemplate  her  character 
in  a more  advantageous  light  still,  behold  religion 
not  only  combined  with  all  the  peculiar  excellencies 
of  her  sex,  but  gradually  exterminating  all  her  pecu- 
liar faults  and  foibles — subjugating  her  spirit  of  un- 
W'orthy  curiosity — eradicating  her  spirit  of  envy  and 
detraction — softening  her  spirit  of  fretfulness  and 
complaint — and  elevating  to  things  unseen,  her  w^rd- 
ly  mind ; and  how  inestimable  such  a woman ! How 


16 


infinitely  superior  are  her  charms  to  all  the  fascina- 
tions of  beauty,  all  the  splendour  of  external  accom- 
plishment, and  all  the  “ delirious  joys  of  giddy  dis- 
sipation !”  How  invaluable  does  such  a woman  ap- 
pear, adorned  and  dignified,  not  only  by  all  that 
earth  can  give,  but  decked  in  the  robes  of  that  piety 
and  loveliness,  which  earth  can  neither  give  nor  take 
away. 

Such  are  some  of  the  qualifications  which  appear 
to  me  to  constitute  the  excellence  of  the  female  cha- 
racter. 

The  influence  of  such  a female  now  deserves 
our  consideration. 

It  is  not  a trivial  thought,  that  upon  herself  alone, 
such  an  assemblage  of  virtues  exerts  an  influence  of 
the  most  enviable  kind. 

Such  a woman,  you  at  once  perceive,  be  her 
condition  ever  so  elevated,  or  ever  so  humble, 
has  the  resources  of  happiness  within  her  own 
bosom.  Let  her  vicissitudes  in  human  life  be  ever 
so  numerous  and  painful,  she  possesses  excellen- 
cies which  remain  unaltered,  when  the  adulations  of 
the  world  have  become  cold  and  reluctant,  w hen  the 
charms  of  beauty  are  fled,  and  the  attractions  of 
earthly  splendour  have  passed  away.  These  are 
the  excellencies  which  lift  her  above  that  depressed 
condition,  which  is  the  allotment  of  many  an  unhap- 
py female,  who  has  few  objects  of  pleasing  reflec- 
tion or  desirable  anticipation  to  cheer  and  revive 
her  heart ; and  whether  she  looks  backw  ard  or  for- 
ward, cannot  resist  the  impression,  that  she  lives  al- 
most in  vain.  An  active,  well-informed,  devout  wo- 
man, while  she  possesses  and  cultivates  a deep  im- 
pression of  her  dependence  as  a creature,  and  her 


17 


unworthiness  and  ill-desert  as  a sinner,  is  comforted 
in  the  consciousness  that  she  holds  an  important 
place  in  the  creation  of  God.  It  is  a delightful  gra- 
tification to  her  tender  and  amiable  heart,  that  the 
talents  with  which  the  God  of  heaven  has  intrusted 
her,  are  not  buried  in  a napkin,  and  that  while  the 
stronger  sex  are  busied  in  prouder  and  less  noiseless 
enterprises,  she  too  is  living  to  some  good  purpose. 
Adverse  fortune,  though  even  in  its  most  direful  and 
terrific  forms,  does  not  so  far  prostrate  her  courage, 
but  her  buoyant  mind,  fortified  by  the  habits  of 
thought  and  the  comforts  of  piety,  may  delight  itsell 
in  reflecting  on  what  is  past,  or  pursuing  some  inter- 
esting and  agreeable  object,  the  attainment  or  pros- 
pect of  which  supports,  if  it  does  not  satisfy,  her 
soul.  A virtuous  woman  is  not  destitute  of  her  re- 
ward in  the  present  world,  but  a far  greater  and  bet- 
ter is  preparing  for  her.  While  others,  whose  con- 
sequence has  fled  w ith  their  youth  and  beauty ; 
whose  respect  and  honour  have  passed  away  with 
their  rank  and  fortune;  and  whose  peace  of  mind  has 
vanished  with  the  admiration  and  applause  of  the 
world,  have  found  thorns  upon  their  dying  pillow, 
and  exchanged  their  laughter  and  joy  for  everlasting 
mourning  and  heaviness ; she,  whether  she  come  to 
her  grave  like  a shock  of  corn  in  its  season  fully  ripe, 
or  in  the  tenderness  and  flower  of  early  years, 
shall  bloom  in  all  the  vigour  of  a growing  immorta- 
lity, because  “ found  in  the  way  of  righteousness.” 

But  the  influence  of  such  a woman  is  still  more 
observable  amid  the  endearments  and  duties  of  con- 
jugal life. 

Man  is  formed  for  society.  The  great  Creator, 
whose  all-seeing  eye  surveyed  all  the  peculiarities 

3 


18 


and  exposures  of  the  human  character  in  every  age 
of  time,  and  who  well  knew  how  to  appreciate  the 
loneliness  and  depression  of  single  life,  and  all  its 
train  of  concomitant  evils,  very  early  uttered,  “It  is 
not  good  for  man  to  be  alone.”  And  lest  this  sacred 
institution  should  become  the  sport  of  fools,  and  its 
unblotted  purity  the  mirth  of  thoughtless  and  vicious 
men,  He  himself  has  pronounced  its  eulogiuin,  and 
in  the  same  breath  thrown  around  it  the  shield  of  his 
guardianship,  in  that  memorable  sentence,  which 
commends  it  as  “ honourable  in  all,”  and  affirms  that 
he  “will judge”  its  foul  abusers.  It  is  in  the  matri- 
monial relation,  that  the  best  affections  of  the  hu- 
man heart  are  found  to  exist  in  their  purity  and 
sweetness ; and  here  are  proved  the  most  elevated 
joys  of  which  our  lapsed  nature  is  capable.  No  si- 
militude beneath  the  skies  so  delightfully  represents 
the  sacred  and  holy  union  between  Christ  and  his 
church,  the  happy  espousals  between  the  child  of 
grace  and  the  condescending  and  loving  Redeemer, 
as  the  union  which  subsists  between  the  husband  and 
the  wife. 

And  it  is  in  this  relation  that  a virtuous  woman 
exerts  her  persuasive  and  powerful  influence.  It  is 
impossible  to  describe  the  extent  of  her  agency. 
The  character  and  usefulness  of  men  is  never  known, 
until  something  is  ascertained  of  the  influence  to  which 
they  will  be  subjected  in  the  conjugal  relation.  I 
would  never  abandon  an  abandoned  youth,  while 
there  is  any  hope  that  his  heart  may  be  enchained  by 
a virtuous  woman  ; and  I would  never  calculate  with 
confidence,  what  course  the  most  promising  or  pious 
young  man  will  pursue,  or  what  influence  he  will  ex- 


19 


ert  in  the  church  or  in  the  world,  until  something  is 
known  of  the  influence  which  will  animate  or  dis- 
courage him ; which  will  extend  or  limit  his  useful- 
ness; which  will  give  prominence  and  character  to 
his  exertions,  or  neutralize  them  all;  and  which,  like 
his  patron  deity,  has  an  altar  in  his  bosom,  whose 
flame  is  never  extinguished. 

The  influence  we  are  contemplating  is  all  of  the 
best  kind.  And  what  shall  be  said  of  the  influence  of 
a wife,  whose  constant  and  uniform  virtues  reflect 
their  amiable  and  attractive  lustre  on  the  character 
of  her  husband  ? Such  a w oman  is  above  all  praise. 
Unlike  those  unhappy  females,  who  arc  little  else 
than  “ toys  to  amuse  a husband's  vacant  hours,”  or 
slaves  to  subserve  his  wants,  she  is  his  happy  and  ra- 
tional companion.  Affectionate,  beloved,  and  re- 
spected, her  favourite  wish  and  delightful  employ- 
ment is,  to  render  him  respected,  useful,  and  happy 
also.  Solomon  describes  her  in  terms  of  no  extra- 
vagant commendation,  when  he  says,  “ Her  price  is 
far  above  rubies.  The  heart  of  her  husband  doth 
safely  trust  in  her,  so  that  he  shall  have  no  need  of 
spoil.  She  w ill  do  him  good,  and  not  evil,  all  the 
days  of  her  life.  Her  husband  is  known  in  the  gates, 
when  he  sitteth  among  the  elders  of  the  land.” 
There  is  a oneness  of  soul,  a community  of  inter- 
ests, an  identity  of  circumstance  and  condition,  be- 
tween  her  and  her  husband,  which  such  a woman 
improves  to  the  best  advantage,  and  never  fails  to 
subordinate  to  his  highest  good.  Is  he  prosperous  ? 
All  his  enjoyments  are  doubled  and  multiplied  w hen 
shared  by  her  ; and  in  her  gratified  participation, 
every  prospect  becomes  light  and  gladsome.  Is  he 
embarrassed  and  depressed  by  the  perplexing  and 


20 


wearisome  cares  of  life  ? How  are  his  toils  forgotten, 
and  how  do  the  hardships  and  fatigues  which  beset 
his  course,  lose  their  severity,  when  rehearsed  in  her 
attentive  ear,  and  reposed  on  her  kind  and  faithful 
bosom.  Is  he  the  child  of  sorrow,  and  do  afflictions 
and  distresses  pour  their  bitterness  into  his  cup  ? 
How  are  his  trials  alleviated,  his  sighs  suppressed,  his 
corroding  thoughts  dissipated,  his  anxieties  and  pains 
relieved,  his  gloom  and  depression  chased  away,  by 
her  cheerfulness  and  love.  Is  he  overwhelmed  by 
disappointment,  and  mortified  by  reproaches? 
There  is  one  who  can  hide  her  eyes  even  from  his 
faults,  and  who,  like  her  Father  who  is  in  heaven, 
can  forgive  and  love  “ without  upbraiding.”  And 
when  he  is  sickened  by  the  subtleties  and  deception 
of  the  world  ; when  the  acrimony  of  men  has  made 
him  acrimonious ; when  he  becomes  dissatisfied  with 
himself,  and  all  around  him, — her  pleasant  smile,  her 
undissembled  tenderness,  her  artless  simplicity, 
“restore  him  to  himself,  and  spread  serenity  and 
sweetness  over  his  mind.” 

But  this  is  not  all.  Her  wisdom  and  kindness 
not  unfrequently  transform  his  moral  character. 
That  man  must  possess  a hardy  temperament, 
whose  licentious  mind  cannot  be  withdrawn  from 
the  seductions  of  vice  and  folly,  by  the  discretion 
and  piety  of  an  affectionate  w ife,  and  who  cannot 
look  upon  the  allurements  of  the  world  as  divested 
of  all  their  charms,  by  the  innocent  endearments 
he  finds  at  home.  When  every  excellence  is  con- 
centrated in  the  person  of  the  female  whom  he 
has  chosen  in  preference  to  all  other  women  to  be 
his  bosom  companion,  what  attractions  can  a reason- 
able man  have  to  mingle  with  the  snares  of  corrupt 


21 


and  corrupting  society  ? And  with  what  tender  and 
mighty  persuasion  may  such  a wife  allure  her  hus- 
band to  the  paths  of  heavenly  wisdom  ! How  diffi- 
cult is  it  for  him  to  cast  off  fear  and  restrain  prayer, 
and  to  remain  thoughtless  and  unconcerned  for  his 
own  soul,  while  he  discovers  her  solicitude  that  he 
should  participate  in  the  privileges  and  hopes  of  pi- 
ety. How  often  does  her  example  reprove  him,  her 
tenderness  melt  his  hard  heart,  her  kind  and  un- 
obtrusive entreaties  embarrass  him  in  his  downward 
career,  her  prayers  bring  him  back  to  God  and  hea- 
ven. How  many  a husband  has  thrown  himself  with- 
in the  ranks  of  God's  covenant  people,  and  under  the 
guide  and  shelter  of  the  pillar  and  the  cloud,  moved 
on  with  them  toward  their  destined  inheritance, through 
that  tender  solicitude  with  which  the  mind  of  a pious 
wife  has  yearned  over  him,  that  pathetic  sympathy 
which  he  has  seen  so  often  ready  to  burst  over  his 
melancholy  condition  and  prospects,  as  an  alien  from 
the  commonwealth  of  Israel.  And  when  such  a wo- 
man is  wedded  to  a man  of  worth  and  piety,  what 
an  help-meet  for  him  through  all  his  course  in  this 
wayward  world  ! What  vigour  and  courage  do  her 
piety  and  zeal  impart  to  his  in  all  their  celestial  ca- 
reer. How  does  her  prudence  restrain,  her  fervour 
enkindle,  her  constancy  inspire,  her  sw  eetness  attract, 
her  uniformity  and  self-denial  reprove  him,  and  her 
heavenliness  discountenance  and  subdue  his  worldly 
mind.  The  pleasures  and  the  benefits  of  social  pie- 
ty are  no  where  enjoyed  in  greater  purity,  than  in 
the  matrimonial  relation.  How  enviable  that  cham- 
ber of  devotion  where  such  a happy  pair  daily  bowr 
their  knees  before  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  where,  to  consummate  their  devout 


22 


union,  the  angel  of  mercy  descends  with  a coal  from 
off  the  altar  to  light  their  sacrifice.  How  happy 
thus  to  take  sweet  counsel  together,  and  go  to  the 
house  of  God  in  company  ! Who  would  complain  of 
the  cross  when  bearing  it  with  such  a helper?  Who 
would  deem  the  way  toward  Zion,  rugged,  tedious, 
or  mournful,  when  travelling  with  such  a comforter 
and  friend  ? 

But  we  may  contemplate  the  influence  of  such  a 
woman,  not  merely  as  a wife,  but  as  a mother  and 

AT  THE  HEAD  OF  A FAMILY. 

The  sentiment  has  often  been  expressed,  that  in 
the  whole  business  of  forming  the  character  of  chil- 
dren, the  mother  is  the  more  important  parent.  The 
education,  the  government,  the  piety,  the  useful- 
ness of  the  rising  generation,  depend  chiefly  on 
the  mother.  The  earliest  impressions  are  the  most 
vivid,  strong,  and  permanent;  and  hence  the  human 
character  is  chiefly  formed  in  childhood. 

Napoleon  once  said  to  Madame  Campan,  “ The  old 
systems  of  education  are  good  for  nothing — what 
do  young  women  stand  in  need  of  to  be  well  brought 
up  in  France?" — “Of  Mothers,”  replied  this  intelli- 
gent and  accomplished  lady.*  The  reply  speaks 
volumes.  View  such  a female  as  w e have  described, 
surrounded  by  a numerous  offspring  of  sons  and 
daughters,  herself  possessed  of  every  domestic,  intel- 
lectual, and  moral  accomplishment  which  qualify  her 
to  interest  and  instruct  them,  and  to  become  the  ob- 
ject of  their  love  and  confidence,  and  the  centre  of 
attractions  to  the  little  world  that  is  rising  around 
her.  See  her  almost  constantly  with  her  children  by 


* Biographical  notice  of  Madainc  Campan,  prefixed  to  her  memoirs  of 
Marie  Antoinette. 


23 


night  and  by  day.  Her  condescending  tenderness 
promotes  the  habits  of  unrestrained  familiarity.  Her 
children  feel  that  they  have  an  easier  and  more 
ready  access  to  her  car  and  bosom  than  those  ol  their 
father.  To  their  infant  minds  “she  imparts  her  man- 
ners, her  habits,  her  modes  of  thinking,  her  opinions, 
her  prejudices,  her  virtues,  1 had  almost  said,  her 
very  soul  itself.”  And  during  their  progressive  ma- 
turity, she  may  form  them  almost  as  she  pleases. 
And  even  after  they  have  arrived  to  years  ol  inde- 
pendence, they  feel  no  restraint  like  the  wishes  ol  a 
mother.  That  tongue  of  hers,  in  which  is  “ the  law 
of  kindness,”  shall  “drop  as  the  rain,  and  her  speech 
shall  distill  as  the  dew,  as  the  small  rain  upon  the 
tender  herb,  and  as  the  showers  upon  the  mown 
grass.” 

Hence  a mother  of  this  combined  excellence, 
is  apt  to  exert  a more  efficient  authority  over  her 
children  than  the  other  parent.  The  stern  go- 
vernment of  the  father,  in  such  a family,  is  rarely  re- 
sorted to,  because  her  wisdom  and  gentleness,  her 
wakeful  discretion  and  unwasting  patience,  assume 
the  more  benignant  control.  Many  a youth  of  rash 
and  impetuous  temperament,  would  venture  to  break 
the  strong  bonds  of  paternal  discipline,  while  his 
heart  would  fail  him  in  rudely  bursting  the  cord  that 
binds  him  to  a motaer's  bosom. 

And  hence  it  is,  that  the  moral  and  religious  cha- 
racter  of  children  is  so  deeply  indebted  to  pious 
mothers.  A well  informed  and  pious  mother,  even 
when  left  to  struggle  with  this  responsible  and 
arduous  duty  unaided  by  the  intelligence  or  piety 
of  the  father,  usually  accomplishes  what  no  father 
can  accomplish,  unaided  by  the  intelligence  and 


24 


piety  of  the  mother.  The  faithful  and  devout  at- 
tention of  a father,  is  not  without  a powerful  in- 
fluence; and  yet  how  few  are  there  who  remem- 
ber a father’s  care  and  anxiety,  as  the  means  of 
their  conversion,  compared  with  those  who  grateful- 
ly recollect  the  unwearied  solicitude  and  prayer- 
fulness of  a pious  mother. 

What  a host  of  worthies,  who  have  been  the  in- 
structors of  the  world,  and  the  guardians  of  its 
best  interests,  have  dwelt  with  ineffable  tender- 
ness on  the  sacred  name  of  Mother!  It  was  the 
tender  affection  and  faithful  care  of  a pious  mo- 
ther, that  prepared  the  prophet  Samuel  to  be  the 
minister  of  salvation  to  the  church  in  every  age.  It 
was  the  piety  and  instruction  of  his  grandmother 
Lois  and  his  mother  Eunice,  that  educated  Timothy 
to  be  the  associate  of  Paul  in  converting  the  nations. 
When  I learn  that  the  mother  of  Philip  Doddridge, 
“ before  he  could  read,  taught  him  the  history  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testament,  by  the  assistance  of  some 
Dutch  tiles  in  the  chimney  of  the  room  where  they 
usually  sat;”  and  when  I am  told  that  “the  instruc- 
tions which  his  pious  mother  gave  him  before  he  was 
four  years  old,  fastened  an  impression  on  the  con- 
science of  the  late  venerable  John  Newton,  which 
cleaved  to  him  through  all  his  subsequent  licentious- 
ness, till  he  became  an  eminent  believer  and  preach- 
er of  that  gospel  which  he  had  despised ;”  1 feel  the 
weight  of  the  sentiment,  that  “ though  her  station  is 
subordinate,  yet  in  a great  measure,  a mother  carries 
in  her  heart,  and  holds  in  her  hand  the  destinies  of 
the  world.”  I could  mention  other  men  and  other 
mothers,  whose  benignant  influence  has  been  felt 
through  a long  line  of  descendants,  and  whose  useful* 


ness  will  not  be  revealed  till  the  final  restitution  of 
all  things.  The  name  of  mother  vibrates  on  my 
heart.  One  I knew,  of  blessed  memory,  whose  ten- 
der affection  was  never  weary,  and  to  whose  senti- 
ments of  faith  and  piety,  often  whispered  in  the  ears 
of  a reluctant  son,  is  it  to  be  attributed,  more  than  to 
any  other  means,  that  unto  him  who  is  the  least  of 
all  saints,  is  this  grace  given,  that  he  should  preach 
the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  Who  can  esti- 
mate the  value  of  one  devout,  devoted  mother? 
Who  can  limit  the  influence  of  woman  in  such  a. 
sphere  ? I pity  woman,  but  I honour  her.  I know 
the  reproach  of  woman,  but  still  more  do  I know 
her  honours.  Next  to  their  rejection  of  the 
Son  of  Mary,  do  I esteem  it  the  deepest  reproach 
of  Jewish  men,  that  in  their  daily  prayers,  they 
thank  the  God  of  Abraham,  they  were  not  born 
women  ! Yes,  my  friends,  it  is  an  honour  to  be 
born  a woman.  Of  what  avail  are  the  authority, 
and  power,  and  laws  of  nations,  compared  with  the 
silent  influence  of  woman?  Who  is  more  justly 
honoured  than  the  mother  of  children  who  have  been 
the  benefactors  of  the  world  ? This  influence  and 
honour  are  the  blessing  of  many  an  humble  and 
ennobled  female.  What  was  the  high  and  honest 
exultation  of  the  Roman  Cornelia,  exhibiting  her 
Gracchi,  compared  with  the  gratified  faith  and  piety 
of  many  a Christian  mother,  as  she  points  to  her  sons 
and  daughters,  and  says,  These  are  my  treasures— 
these  are  the  children  which  God  has  graciously 
given  me. 

But  there  are  domestic  relations  of  a less  important 
kind , which  an  accomplished  female  sustains  with 

4 


25 


distinguished  benefit  to  all  around  her.  As  a daugh- 
ter, every  member  of  the  family  with  which  she  is  as- 
sociated, acknowledges  the  power  and  purify  of  her 
character.  Her  industry,  her  discretion,  her  piety, 
her  dutiful  and  kind  demeanor,  diffuse  a savour 
which  is  like  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew 
that  descended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion,  where 
the  Lord  commanded  his  blessing.  Daughters  who 
arc  thus  qualified  to  fill  the  stations  they  occupy,  are 
beautifully  compared  by  the  sacred  penman,  to  “ cor- 
ner stones”  in  a splendid  edifice,  that  are  polished 
after  the  similitude  of  a palace.”  As  a sister , the  in- 
fluence of  such  a female  is  scarcely  less  desirable. 
The  reason  why  sisters  so  often  exert  a lamented  in- 
fluence over  one  another,  and  over  their  brothers,  is, 
that  they  are  not  qualified  to  exert  a better.  If  in- 
stead of  devoting  their  attention  to  mere  external 
accomplishments,  and  a very  limited  course  of  intel- 
lectual attainments,  they  would  aspire  after  solid 
improvements  and  durable  virtues  ; if  instead  of  be- 
ing absorbed  in  the  love  of  ornament  and  admira- 
tion, they  would  aim  at  accomplishments  that  enno- 
ble the  mind,  dignify  the  person,  and  meliorate  the 
heart ; how'  easy  would  it  be  for  them  to  give  theii 
own  domestic  circle  the  pre-eminence  above  every 
other  society,  and  within  their  own  happy  dwelling 
form  each  other’s  habits  and  characters,  so  as  to  be- 
come ornaments  and  blessings  to  the  world.  Nor  is 
the  more  humble  condition  of  a female  servant,  who 
is  qualified  to  fill  her  important  station,  to  be  esteem- 
ed of  little  or  no  account.  To  what  a multitude  of 
families  has  the  industry,  the  intelligence,  the  faith, 
the  piety,  the  prayers,  the  example,  of  such  a 
Woman,  even  in  this  retired  department,  proved  an 


27 


invaluable  blessing.  Very  often,  when  unknown  lo 
herself,  is  she  scattering  the  seeds  of  mercy.  Many 
a parent  and  many  a child,  many  a giddy  daughter 
and  fro  ward  son,  has  been  kept  from  perdition  by  the 
timely  eftbrts  of  a faithful  servant.  Are  there  none 
of  you.  my  friends,  in  the  higher  walks  of  human  so- 
ciety', who  have  been  snatched  as  brands  from  the 
burning,  by  the  instrumentality  of  a godly  servant  ? 
Eternity  only  can  disclose  the  extent  of  influence 
which  a discreet  and  pious  female  may  exert  even 
in  the  humblest  sphere. 

But  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  enter  into  all  the  de- 
tail we  could  desire  in  a single  discourse.  Such  a 
woman  as  we  have  described,  whatever  may  be  her 
allotment,  occupies  an  almost  unlimited  sphere  of 
exertion.  She  may  fill  a prominent  place  in  an  ex- 
tended circle  of  friends  and  associates,  and  there 
diffuse  the  savour  of  her  virtues,  and  the  blessing  of 
her  example.  Like  many  a pious  and  faithful  female, 
whom  God  has  excluded  from  the  obligations  of  the 
matrimonial  bond,  that  she  may  exert  a still  wider  in- 
fluence, she  may  become  the  teacher  of  youth , and 
like  Susanna  Anthony,  and  Sarah  Osborn,  form  the 
minds  of  a whole  community,  and  give  an  impulse 
to  the  Christian  w orld,  that  shall  continue  down  to 
the  last  twilight  of  millennial  glory.  A very  judicious 
writer  remarks:  “ It  has  long  been  my  decided  opi- 
nion, that  nature  has  peculiarly  formed  and  designed 
the  softer  sex  for  the  noble  and  delightful,  though  ar- 
duous and  trying,  office  of  teaching.  They  natural- 
ly possess  a greater  share  of  those  excellencies 
which  constitute  a good  teacher.  More  gentle,  affec- 
tionate, and  winning  in  their  manner ; more  ardent* 
zealous,  and  persevering,  in  their  efforts ; more  ijrv 


28 


tcresting,  endearing,  and  impressive,  in  their  com- 
munications,— their  operations  upon  the  mind  are 
more  forcible  and  more  efficacious.  According  to 
their  opportunities  of  learning,  they  have  probably 
been  the  more  successful  teachers.  In  proportion  to 
the  scanty  compensation  which  they  have  received, 
they  have  undoubtedly  done  more  in  this  office  to 
promote  the  public  good,  than  the  other  sex.”*  And 
how  does  such  a female  shine,  when  her  well  direct- 
ed agency  is  felt  in  a Sabbath  school , and  she  there 
becomes  the  guardian  and  friend  of  parents  and  chil- 
dren, who,  but  for  her,  were  destined  to  perpetuated 
ignorance  and  degeneracy.  Or  she  may  act  a dis- 
tinguished part  in  religious  and  charitable  institutions , and 
encourage  all  around  her  in  these  labours  of  love, 
and  animate  them  in  every  good  word  and  work. 
Like  another  Dorcas,  or  another  Graham,  she  may 
become  the  “ radiating  point  of  truth  and  grace,” 
and  reflect  her  lustre  to  unborn  ages,  and  embalm 
her  memory  in  the  grateful  recollections  of  the 
church  of  God.  I say,  the  church  of  God ; for  it  is 
this  sacred  community  that  such  a female  adorns  and 
beautifies.  How  has  she  watched  over  the  heritage 
of  her  Redeemer,  and  sounded  the  alarm  at  its  ex- 
posures, and  shielded  it  from  the  aggressions  of  the 
enemy.  Howr  has  her  voice  of  prayer  been  lifted 
amid  the  circle  of  her  female  associates,  and  her  be- 
nignant counsel  allured  and  guided  many  a compa- 
ny of  youthful  believers.  How'  have  her  hands  ad- 
ministered to  the  necessities  of  the  saints,  and  the 


* A discourse,  delivered  at  the  Seminary  Hall,  in  Saugus,  by  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Emerson,  now  the  Principal  of  a female  academy  in  Wreathcrsfie)<t, 
Conn. 


29 


avails  of  her  industry  and  self-denial  contributed  to 
the  increase  and  support  of  the  ministry  of  reconci- 
liation, to  the  extension  of  the  Word  of  Life,  and  the 
introduction  of  the  missionaries  ot  the  cross  to  lands 
far  off  and  near.  And  if  such  a woman  be  regarded 
merely  as  a member  of  civil  society , who  does  not  feel 
her  influence  ? She  may  imagine  herself  to  be  an 
obscure  individual,  and  excluded  from  any  share  in 
the  concerns  of  the  great  world,  of  which  she  is  but 
a single  inhabitant,  while  her  capacious  heart  may 
embrace  the  best  good  of  the  community  to  which 
she  belongs,  while  it  may  be  her  glory  to  live  for  the 
great  interests  of  mankind,  and  while  she  may  exert 
an  agency  that  is  felt  to  the  remotest  bounds  of  the 
srlobe. 

The  influence  of  the  female  character,  it  may  not 
be  concealed,  has  a predominant  sway  over  human 
society.  Public  taste  and  manners,  public  virtues 
and  vices,  are  under  the  control  of  woman.  In  the 
empire  of  fashion,  her  sway  is  absolute.  And  if  wo- 
man were  uniformly  excellent,  her  influence  in  the 
empire  of  morals  would  be  scarcely  less  visible.  By 
that  silent  and  winning  influence  which  she  exerts  at 
home  and  distributes  abroad,  her  unseen  hand  forms 
the  character  of  men,  and  gives  a complexion  to  the 
society  and  age,  which  nothing  can  resist.  Let  wo- 
man be  virtuous,  and  it  will  be  difficult  for  the  world 
to  be  vile.  Let  woman  be  industrious  and  economical, 
and  how  few  will  be  the  persuasives  for  society  to  be 
indolent  and  luxurious.  Let  woman  be  intelligent 
and  well  informed,  and  it  will  be  impossible  for  the 
community  to  be  sottish  and  ignorant.  Let  woman 
possess  the  virtues  of  neatness  and  taste,  and  how  can 
public  feeling  and  sentiment  degenerate  into  rude- 


30 


ness  and  barbarism.  Let  her  be  pious — O ! let  wo- 
man be  pious — and  how  will  this  ungodly  world  feel 
the  powerful  constraints  of  redeeming  mercy,  and  re- 
alize the  vision  which  the  revelator  had,  when  he  be- 
held the  Holy  City,  the  New  Jerusalem,  coming  down 
from  God  out  of  heaven,  prepared  as  a bride 
adorned  for  her  husband  ! 

The  female  character,  my  fair  auditors,  is  destined 
to  rise,  and  not  destined  to  fall.  Unless  new  princi- 
ples of  the  divine  government  remain  to  be  disclosed, 
not  yet  developed  in  the  word  of  God,  or  in  his  pro- 
vidence, the  purposes  of  his  love  towards  mankind 
cannot  be  accomplished  without  a very  sensible  ele- 
vation of  the  female  sex.  Females  are  yet  to  be- 
come some  of  the  most  distinguished  instruments  in 
the  emancipation  of  the  world,  from  the  thraldom  of 
ignorance  and  sin.  On  females  themselves  devolves 
in  no  small  degree,  the  duty  of  elevating  the  charac- 
ter of  their  own  sex.  How  they  are  to  do  this,  it  is 
no  difficult  matter  to  determine.  It  is  by  carrying  a 
more  thoroughly  furnished  mind  and  heart  into  the 
various  spheres  of  usefulness  peculiar  to  their  sex 
and  station,  and  there  unfolding  all  the  patience,  self- 
denial,  and  energy  of  their  character.  I would  have 
females  ambitious  of  usefulness,  of  the  best  and  most 
unexceptionable  kind.  Unsanctitied  attainment,  1 
know,  may  only  increase  the  pernicious  and  corrupt- 
ing influence  of  a woman  ; but  when  combined  with 
moral  and  religious  culture,  it  may  be  employed  with 
consummate  advantage  to  the  church  and  the  world. 

It  is  this  moral  and  religious  culture,  which  you 
have  assembled  this  evening,  my  friends,  to  patron- 
ise, and  of  which  I desire  to  be  particularly  the  ad- 
vocate. I address  you  as  a society  bound  and  band- 


31 


ed  together  by  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  for  the 
most  noble  and  sacred  of  purposes, — that  of  sending 
the  gospel  to  the  destitute  settlements  of  our  extended  country. 
Never  did  woman  appear  more  elevated  than  in  this 
high  calling.  Well  may  the  speaker  congratulate 
himself  on  being  the  advocate  of  female  piety  on 
such  an  occasion  as  this.  Woman  has  been  little 
else  than  a prisoner,  or  a slave,  where  the  celestial 
influence  of  a pure  religion  has  not  knocked  off  her 
chains,  and  proclaimed  emancipation  from  her  servi- 
tude. And  woman,  defenceless  woman,  needs  the  in- 
fluence and  support  of  piety.  In  all  her  fears  and 
trials,  in  all  her  disappointment  and  fatigue,  how  frail, 
how  baseless,  the  superstructure  of  her  hopes,  if  the 
Eternal  God  is  not  her  refuge.  But  with  the  God  of 
Jacob  for  her  help,  how  does  poor,  feeble  woman 
triumph  over  the  trials  of  apostacy,  and  the  helpless- 
ness of  her  condition,  and  throw  into  the  shades  of 
oblivion,  the  patience,  submission,  and  confidence  of 
the  stronger  sex.  I have  aften  thought,  that  piety 
has  been  to  women  what  it  never  has  been  to  men. 
And  how  has  its  matchless  power  been  evinced,  es- 
pecially in  the  storms  of  keen  adversity  ! Many  a 
time,  while  the  quivering  spirit  of  her  hardy  compeer 
has  been  shattered  by  the  tempest,  and  when  in  pain- 
ful apprehension,  1 have  looked  to  sec  her  frail  form 
sink  beneath  the  billows;  has  her  heaven-invigorated 
countenance  faced  the  storm,  and  her  buoyant  heart 
been  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.  O ! my  young  fe- 
male friends,  lift  your  youthful  eye  up  to  the  Father 
of  Lights,  and  however  dark  and  heavy  the  clouds 
that  may  be  about  him,  you  shall  descry  some  “ bow 
of  promise”  around  his  throne.  Heavy  clouds  and 
thick  darkness  may  indeed  be  there.  The  days  may 


32 


be  few  that  are  crowned  with  peace  and  joy.  But 
O ! there  is  every  thing  to  cheer  the  mournful  vale. 
Those  indications  of  grace  and  faithfulness  shall  ne- 
ver withdraw  their  encircled  lustre  from  the  throne 
of  God.  Jesus  Christ  hath  abolished  death,  and 
brought  life  and  immortality  to  light,  and  that  light 
shall  never  fade,  that  immortality  shall  never  die. 


